VietNamNet Bridge – Seven provinces have sought help to ease food shortages in the lead-up to the Tet holiday, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs said.

The ministry said food would be provided, giving priority to localities that suffered from natural disasters or poor weather conditions during the year.

The announcement follows a call from Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh for an assessment of the food situation and the amount of rice required to alleviate shortages.

Last year, the Government provided more than 37,500 tonnes of rice to 14 localities.